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HOWARD, WI -- Mitt Romney bristled at a question Monday about his Mormon faith as it relates to an issue of race before returning to the issue of his beliefs.
Romney engaged in two separate exchanges at a town hall event here -- one tense, the other empathetic -- that shed light on arguably one of the most poorly understood elements of the former Massachusetts governor's personal biography.
The first exchange occurred when Bret Hatch, a 28-year-old supporter of Texas Rep. Ron Paul, haltingly attempted to quote a passage from Mormon scripture which dealt with race, before being prodded by Romney to ask an actual question.
“I’m sorry, we’re just not going to have a discussion about religion in my view, but if you have a question, I’ll be happy to answer your question,” Romney said.
"I guess my question is -- do you believe it’s a sin for a white man to marry and procreate with a black?" Hatch asked.
"No. Next question," Romney responded tersely, turning his back to Hatch and looking for another raised hand.
Romney is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon or LDS church. His family is steeped in the history of the LDS church, and Romney has long been involved in church affairs, including serving as a missionary in France as a young man.
On the stump, however, Romney rarely discusses his faith or his religion, preferring to stay focused on matters of policy and the economy. The largest single exception to this rule was a speech Romney gave in December of 2007, in which the former Massachusetts governor strongly defended his belief in what he called the "faith of my fathers" and praised America's core beliefs in the importance of religious tolerance.
When Romney's religion has become a political topic this election cycle, it has rarely been to his benefit. Most notably, in October, an evangelical pastor from Dallas labeled Mormonism a "cult" during a speech in Washington D.C. -- leading to countless stories and questions about what Romney truly believed, effectively jarring the candidate off of his core message for days.
With that in mind, it might have seemed unlikely for Romney to pivot back toward discussing his faith after the initial question.
But a few minutes after the first exchange, in response to a question about whether or not Romney is out of touch with average voters, Romney returned to the issue of his faith, telling his audience that his time as a local LDS ward leader and then stake-president in Massachusetts allowed him to work hands-on with regular folks who needed help:
I’ve had an unusual experience. This gentleman wanted to talk about the doctrines of my religion. I’ll talk about the practices of my faith. I had the occasion in my church to be asked to be the pastor, if you will, of a congregation," Romney said. "I’ve served in that kind of role for about 10 years. And that gave me the occasion to work with people on a very personal basis that were dealing with unemployment, with marital difficulties, with health difficulties of their own and with their kids.”
Most Americans, by the way, are carrying a burden of some kind. We don’t see it, we see someone on the street, they smile and say ‘Hello,’ but behind them they are carrying a bag of rocks. It may be their own health difficulties. It may be concern about a job, it may be inability to pay for the home or the college they were hoping to pay for for a child. But people have burdens in this country, and when you get a chance to know people on a very personal basis, whether you’re serving as a pastor or as a counselor or in other kinds of roles, you understand that every kind of person you see is facing some challenges. And one of the reasons I’m running for president of the United States is I want to help people, I want to lighten those burdens.
Romney also used the experience of his wife, Ann, who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, to further make a connection with his audience.
“My good wife, I mean, you see her, she’s beautiful, she’s energetic, articulate, but you know, she has MS, and she also had to fight breast cancer. And I watched her as a person with great strength and capacity," Romney said. "You don’t always see the things that are happening in people’s lives, and yet, she wants to help people, and to reach out to those that are facing some difficulty.”
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Do the research.
John-316749 you have ID'd yourself as either LDS or an advocate of the church. Simply stating that something (such as information) is "garbage", doesn't make it so. You make no reference to just what constitutes "garbage" in reference to the posts here. You have given invitation to visit a ward to those "misinformed." Visiting a ward on Sunday, as an 'investigator', is missionary tactic. Apples and oranges in the context of this blog. "Rare insight" is the topic and 'no insight' is the response. I challenge you to provide an educated response supported by objective fact to refute any information posted here. "Garbage" and "misinformed" fail to meet that criteria. Step up and respond with credible & objective fact(s). As always...do the research.
CATI-I'm sure you will tell your niece who is about to serve an 18 month mission for the Church in Texas what her uncle thinks of her Church and all about the "garbage" you have posted here the past few days. Now be sure to do so, we would not want you to say one thing here and then not pass on your certain knowledge to your own family members- that would be hypocritical wouldn't it?
Unfounded rhetoric is garbage. That is the intelligent statement. When saying going to a ward or stake service Is not meant to be a missionary tactic. It just means if you to learn about something, go to the source. That is just the way it is. If I wanted to know about the catholic church , I would go to their web site. Go to their church. Same idea. Focusing on critics of a faith is like i said ., Garbage.
Good point - Here is some information concerning their Book of Mormon:
The truth prevails, but not the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a lie perpetrated on gullible and trusting people. One must not confuse the fact that just because a person is good, that they are right. There are good people who do not believe in God, but they are not right in the sight of God in whom they don't believe. I have some good fiends who are Mormons, and they are good people, they make good neighbors, but it doesn't make their religion right.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it counsels us the prove from the scriptures what one practices.
I don't think Mr. Romney is responsible for defending the tenets of his faith. I am a Lutheran and I totally reject Martin Luther's opinions of Jews. I would think that many Catholics reject the teaching that the Catholic church is the one true faith. We can all pick apart each others religion. The important thing is that he is a man of faith (like Jews, Muslims, Hindus). I intend to vote for Obama, also a man of faith. But don't attack Romney on this issue.
If you want to know what Mormons believe go to www.mormon.org. A lot of incorrect stuff on this blog.
Oxymoron of the day! The upshot is, do you want Mormons to have the same political clout that Bush & Co. gave to the fire & brimstone evangicals? They were a non-issue until Bush and Murdoch used them to promote their agenda. Next, can you be loyal to your constitution and fight back against politicians who are incapable of participating in a democracy? Incapable due to their inability to uphold their oath of office and practice the requirement of separation of church and state? Mormons are taught to avoid socialization with non-mormons unless they are recruiting for the church and/or are forced to because of work. Mormons discourage their children from playing with non-mormons. Mormons religion rules their life 24/7, even in the privacy of their bedrooms. Therefore, how can Mitt separate church and state? He can't. Again, the question is; Do you want Mormons running America? Suggested reading: Roughing It by Mark Twain and Mountain Meadows Massacre by Juanita Brooks. Things haven't changed, especially if you are woman doing business with these men. The women are no better than servants and hold no opinion of their own. I've literally been told, 'you'd need to ask my husband what we think about that.' The basis of their faith is historically unsupported, there are no 'plates.' It was started by a pedophile who figured out how to screw underage girls with their wives permission, just write a bible. Works every time.
This is totally false. It might be a cultural thing in some areas, but it's not official church doctrine. Where I grew up, myself and all the other Mormons I knew were friends with non-Mormons. I actually had more non-Mormon friends than Mormon friends, even though I grew up in an area that had enough Mormons that I COULD have confined myself to Mormon friends if I wanted to. And it wasn't like I was a "less active" Mormon or anything - I was your goody-two-shoes Mormon girl in a lot of ways. And some of my best friends were people who would go party and drink on the weekends or drop the f-bomb every other sentence, who were the furthest thing from "Mormon" at my high school. On the other end of the spectrum, one of my friends was a devout evangelical who believed that Mormons were automatically damned. We were great friends, despite the fact that our religious beliefs were so different that every time religion came up, she would say "Your religion is founded by the devil and you're going to hell." I never tried to convert her or any of my non-Mormon friends. I just liked hanging out with them because they were good, decent people who were enjoyable to hang out with and we cared about each other. You know, friends.
Same thing in adult life. As a kid, my parents never really tried to convert our neighbors - sure, we would have been happy for them if they joined, because we love the church and sharing things you love with others is a pretty common human behavior. But when they made it clear they weren't interested, we actually told the missionaries to stop tracting our street. And we continued to make friends with the neighbors, because again, we didn't care that they weren't Mormon. Now that I'm an adult, it's the same thing. I don't avoid interaction with non-Mormons; I honestly don't care whether or not someone's Mormon when it comes to whether or not I'm their friend.
I'm seriously curious who you've been talking to, because that's not my experience at all. I'm a woman, and a single woman at that, in our church, and I've never felt like my opinion was considered less valuable. Women in our church sit on leadership councils along with the men, and their opinions are considered to be equally valuable. Women teach doctrine just as often, and I would argue that have a considerable amount of influence in the church as a whole, possibly even more than men. This goes all the way back to Brigham Young, who said that he would rather educate his daughters than his sons, because they would make a bigger difference with it. The Church founded one of the oldest women's organizations in the world, which is currently also the largest. Etc.
I don't have all day, but this link explains both the role of women and the separation of church and state way better than I ever could:
http://mormonmidrashim.blogspot.com/2012/02/priesthood-cooperative-culture-and-why.html
Furthermore, whenever I've heard about one gender being better than the other at church, it's always been that women are better than men. Seriously, I've heard countless guys say that they think that women not having the priesthood shows that they're better, because they don't need so much structure to do the right thing. I personally disagree with this, I don't think either gender is better than the other, just different. Still, I think it's telling that I've always seen women held up as better, but never the other way around.
jacksonhole76
She is very well aware of this side of the family's opinion of the LDS doctrine. Neither myself or any other family member derides, ridicules, denigrates, or otherwise "bashes" her faith. We all respect others right(s) and opinions (which, in a family of 8 are as varied as the color spectrum). Simply because one does not adhere to a point of view, does not mean they are disrespectful. Questioning and seeking an answer is not "anti" anything. Your responses are typical of many adherents to any number of 'faiths'. Any evidence presented that contradicts, questions, disputes, or refutes the 'doctrine' of their faith, is "garbage." Unless objective and verifiable evidence can be presented supporting validity, ones contribution to intellectual 'debate' is of no value. "Garbage" hardly meets any acceptable or credible response to educated conversation or debate. As such, you do as great a disservice to your faith, as all LDS do when engaged in this matter...defending with unsubstantiated rhetoric or immature responses. Your defense is no different as others in this matter..."you have to want to believe." There is no tangible or credible proof other than your desire to want to believe as you do. That's fine...say so. Do not attempt to refute without fact or credibility. There will always be controversy in this matter. LDS church history is not limited to just their version. There is ample proof of this. No amount of 'reinvention', denial, or claiming persecution is going to change that. There's an old saying out here, "don't piss on my boots and tell me it's raining." As always, do the research... if you really want to expound on your knowledge. That applies to all things.
Bohnmann,
You are giving your individual opinion here. We are discussing "rare insight." My posts are not predicated upon my opinion. The LDS church receives it's 'guidance' from the Almighty, through their 'Prophet', and disseminates this 'info' through 'General Conference', 'talks given by the 'Apostle(s), the 'Presidency', etc. All of this is further disseminated through the church magazine "Ensign" so that everyone gets the 'word'. That you, or your ward/stake choose to interpret things differently does not change LDS doctrine. A faithful and true believing Mormon follows the dictates of the church. Key words are 'faithful and true believing'. The issue is established LDS doctrine, not individual participation or interpretation. The interpretation has been done and the members are expected to adhere and follow. Not everyone out here is ignorant of the LDS church and its workings. Do the research.
john-4274116,
Instead of making an unfounded statement and linking an LDS 'approved' web site, why not submit to us an unbiased, fact based, and objective argument that corrects the "incorrect stuff." I submit that the link you provide is biased and provides very little, or no credible responses to legitimate questions or facts presented here. It's your opinion, why not support it with credible information and fact that you have personally, and objectively researched yourself?
Look, Romney has had a long political career. I don't really give much credit for things he promises on the stump. He's trying to do whatever is needed to get the nomination. If you really want to know what he stands for, look at his record. He won't hew too far away from his previous decisions and stands, although I doubt he will try to champion a "RomneyCare" for all if he becomes President.
john-316479,
You are not providing anything of substance in this debate of opinions. There are many sources available to one who wishes to learn. I agree that your link is one of those. However, when one questions the 'official' version, or seeks other objective sources, the logical course is to seek out that information. You exemplify many mainstream, and faithful LDS members with your lack of credible responses to legitimate questions. You either do not know, or you follow LDS doctrine and go no further than LDS 'approved' sources. This is why the LDS faith comes under scrutiny in public forum. The LDS faith is not viewed credibly by the mainstream. That is a fact. As such, when this topic is thrust into the public eye, there is going to be controversy. When legitimate questions are met with unsubstantiated accusations, name calling, or just plain avoidance, credibility is lost. This blog was centered around some "rare insight into the Mormon faith', purportedly expressed by Romney. There was no such 'rare insight'. There's not going to be any 'official' insight on this subject. The information about the LDS church and it's practices are available to anyone. All of the fact based data, information, and history that has contradicted LDS claims continues to be denied by the LDS. So be it. If you do not want to be scrutinized in any manner, do not put yourself in a position to be done so. If you do, then be prepared to provide fact based, objectively researched information to support your position. The LDS invite critics by making statements they cannot support with nothing more than their personal belief. Do the research, be objective, and elevate your knowledge.
Find me an unbiased website that proves the "incorrect stuff"
I haven't been able to find any of either one.
But I believe that a Mormons knows more about Mormonism than some random person on the internet,
Just like I believe Muslims know more about their religion than random bigots on the web.
Funny I think I remember that Jesus said above ALL else "Love One Another"... Above all else, the number one thing he asked his followers to do was love one another. His list was long, making it to the top seems like a big deal....
I think people should believe want they want, but if you go near a political realm you should keep it strictly legal. (this is not a dig on any current candidate)
I work on various projects for Lifeway Christian Stores in Nashville, TN. I've also worked for the United Methodist Publishing House and the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is definitely Christian. As with so many things in life, it's fear of the unknown that leads to the negative comments. Mormons are some of the most Christ-like people I know. I see these people as Christians especially because I never hear of their speakers or teachers speaking ill of other religions and they don't get paid for their service in the church. This website- Mormon.org explains their core beliefs and isn't tainted by fear spread online. The beliefs are simple, but profound. I've read them and felt a feeling that has changed the negative to positive.
Tyler12,
Any credible response to an issue will bear credible support. Much of the responses here are not supported by fact. They're supported by emotion. When one makes a statement that discredits an opinion, view, or belief concerning Romney's "rare insight" it is expected that that refute will bear some credibility. My posts concerning the "rare insight" into Mormonism are backed by irrefutable fact and evidence. I merely expect others that disagree to simply provide the substantiated fact to support their claim. How hard is that to do? I do not recall telling anyone to "find a reliable website" here. In fact, any documented and factual information concerning this topic can be found in legal briefs, historical (other than LDS spin) documents, and this organizations own information. You are 100% correct in stating that a "Mormon knows more about ..." I am still on their membership rolls, and have been since 1969. I will fault your assumption that Mormons know their religion. The majority do not, or choose not to question anything. That is why there was no "rare insight" and, there is no one out there who can repudiate the responses I've posted with objectively researched evidence. Not going to happen. I am however, open to any attempts to debate with objective, educated, and credible facts. Like I say... Do the research. Don't assume you know something without having the facts. Research.